New Testament
Acts 20:9
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A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window and sank into a deep sleep as Paul kept speaking. Overcome by sleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead.
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And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
What Acts 20:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this story, a young man named Eutychus is sitting in a window during a long speech by Paul. As Paul talks on, Eutychus becomes increasingly tired and eventually falls into a deep sleep. Unfortunately, he falls from the third story and is found lifeless on the ground. This incident highlights the dangers of neglecting our well-being, especially when we push ourselves too hard. Eutychus's fall serves as a reminder that we need to take care of our physical needs, like rest, while also engaging with important teachings. After the fall, Paul rushes down, embraces Eutychus, and brings him back to life, showing the power of faith and community support. This moment emphasizes the importance of being attentive and present, both in our physical surroundings and in our spiritual lives. It also illustrates how unexpected events can lead to miraculous outcomes, reminding us that hope can arise even in dire situations. Eutychus's story encourages us to balance our commitments with self-care.
How to apply Acts 20:9 to your life
This story teaches us the importance of listening to our bodies and recognizing when we need rest. It reminds us to stay engaged and present in our lives, especially during important moments. Prioritizing self-care can help us avoid unnecessary risks and maintain our well-being while pursuing our goals and responsibilities. We should also support one another in times of need, just as Paul did for Eutychus.
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: Eutychus Falls from the Window (Acts 20:7–12)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What happened to Eutychus in Acts 20:9?
In Acts 20:9, Eutychus, a young man, fell asleep during Paul's lengthy sermon while sitting in a window. He ultimately fell from the third story and was found dead on the ground. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of rest and attentiveness.
What does Eutychus's fall teach us?
Eutychus's fall teaches us the importance of listening to our bodies and recognizing when we need rest. It highlights the dangers of neglecting our physical well-being, especially when we are engaged in important activities. This story encourages us to balance our commitments with self-care.
How did Paul respond to Eutychus's fall?
After Eutychus fell and was found dead, Paul rushed down to him, embraced him, and declared that he was alive. This miraculous event demonstrates the power of faith and community support, showing how unexpected situations can lead to hope and restoration.
What themes are present in the story of Eutychus?
The story of Eutychus encompasses several themes, including the importance of sleep and self-care, the dangers of distraction, the role of community in supporting one another, the power of faith, and the occurrence of miracles in dire situations.
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